Wine Maker Notes The best whole, perfectly ripened bunches are hand harvested in early September and carried to farmhouses where they are left to dry on traditional straw mats called "arelle,” a process which raisins the grapes and concentrates the natural sugars. After approximately 120 days, the grapes are pressed and slow fermentation begins at a low temperature. Fermentation continues until the sugars have been completely converted to alcohol.

Technical Notes Bertani was founded in 1857 by brothers Gaetano and Giovan Battista Bertani. Prosperous wine merchants who believed that quality winemaking held the key to the future, the Bertanis invested their funds in buying some of the finest vineyards in the province and making their own wines. Consequently, unlike most other local producers, Bertani owns its own vineyards and so is able to oversee the entire winemaking cycle from start to finish.

Food Pairing An outstanding match with roast meat and game, as well as hearty, flavorful cheeses served with figs and nuts